Best Crock Pot Chicken Wings Recipe

Chicken wings are a timeless favorite, whether you’re preparing them for a game-day feast, a family dinner, or simply as a tasty snack. This Crock Pot Chicken Wings recipe offers the perfect blend of flavors with minimal effort. By slow-cooking the wings to tender perfection, followed by a quick broil to achieve that crispy, caramelized finish, you can enjoy wings that are bursting with flavor and incredibly juicy. The combination of BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, and brown sugar creates a tangy and slightly sweet glaze that coats the wings perfectly. The slow cooking ensures the wings are infused with this mouthwatering sauce, making them tender and packed with flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep time and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a plate of delicious chicken wings ready to impress any crowd. The Crock Pot does all the hard work for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal with friends and family. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or alongside your favorite sides, these wings will quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation

With just 5 minutes of prep time, these wings practically cook themselves, making them a perfect option for busy days or when you have other things to focus on.

2. Perfectly Tender Wings

Slow cooking the wings ensures that they become incredibly tender and flavorful, with the sauce soaking in for a mouthwatering experience.

3. Crispy Finish

Broiling the wings after slow cooking gives them the perfect crispy texture, enhancing the flavor and providing that satisfying crunch.

4. Sweet and Tangy Sauce

The combination of BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, and brown sugar creates a balanced flavor that’s both tangy and sweet, pleasing to a wide variety of taste preferences.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

These wings are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion. They’re easy to make in large batches and serve to a crowd.

Ingredients

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken wings
• Kosher salt
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ground black pepper
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo hot sauce
• Brown sugar
• Olive oil
• Sliced green onion (optional, for garnish)
• Ranch dressing (optional, for dipping)

Variations

• Spicy Heat: Increase the amount of buffalo sauce for a spicier version of the wings, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a bit of honey to the sauce mixture for a sweet-and-spicy balance.
• Crispier Wings: If you love extra crispy wings, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes after the first broil.
• Different Sauces: Swap out the buffalo sauce for a different hot sauce or use a sweet chili sauce for a tangy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken Wings

In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Make sure each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, buffalo hot sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Wings

Place the seasoned chicken wings into the Crock Pot. Pour half of the prepared sauce mixture over the wings, ensuring they’re coated evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for later. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the wings are tender.

Step 4: Preheat the Broiler

Once the wings are cooked, preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Set the oven rack to the top third of the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5: Broil the Wings

Transfer the wings from the Crock Pot to the prepared baking sheet. Brush them with olive oil for extra crispiness. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the wings are browned and crispy.

Step 6: Apply the Reserved Sauce

Remove the wings from the broiler, then brush them with the reserved sauce. Return them to the broiler for another 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and enhance the crispiness.

Step 7: Serve

Sprinkle the wings with chopped green onions for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately with ranch dressing on the side and any remaining BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the wings from sticking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wings: Ensure the wings are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve an even crisp when broiling.
• Broil in Batches: If making a large batch, broil the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure they become crispy.
• Reserve Some Sauce: Don’t forget to reserve some of the sauce for brushing on the wings after broiling for that extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve

Serve your Crock Pot chicken wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a more complete meal, pair them with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. These wings are perfect for casual dinners, game day, or parties. Their sweet and spicy flavor makes them a great companion for any hearty side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wings will continue to absorb the sauce, making them even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken wings. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat the wings, bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For extra crispiness, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but be sure to thaw them before seasoning and cooking for the best results.

2. How do I make the wings extra crispy?

To make the wings extra crispy, broil them for a few additional minutes after brushing them with olive oil.

3. Can I cook the wings on high in the Crock Pot?

Yes, cooking on high for 2-3 hours will work just fine, though cooking on low for 3-4 hours may result in even more tender wings.

4. Can I use boneless chicken wings?

While this recipe is intended for bone-in wings, boneless chicken wings can be used as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless wings cook faster.

5. Can I skip the broiling step?

Broiling adds a crispy texture to the wings. While you can skip this step, broiling makes them more delicious.

6. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add more buffalo sauce or even a bit of hot sauce to increase the heat level.

7. Can I cook these wings in the oven instead of the Crock Pot?

Yes, you can bake the wings in the oven at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, and then toss them with the sauce before broiling.

8. How do I reheat the wings?

To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until hot, and broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

9. Can I use a different type of sauce?

Feel free to use your favorite BBQ or hot sauce to customize the flavor. Honey BBQ, teriyaki, or sweet chili sauces are all great alternatives.

10. How many wings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings of wings, depending on the size of the wings and the serving portions.

Conclusion

These Crock Pot Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of tender, juicy meat and crispy, caramelized skin, all coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. With minimal prep time and easy cooking steps, this recipe is an ideal option for a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends. The slow-cooked wings, combined with a quick broil for crispiness, make them irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them on your own or serving them to a crowd, these wings will undoubtedly be a hit every time. Enjoy!

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